How to Antique New Hardware

Antiquing hardware is the act of altering new doorknobs, light fixtures, drawer handles and other similar objects so that they appear to have developed the patina that comes with age. You can purchase antiqued hardware pieces but they are more expensive than their new-looking counterparts. To avoid spending extra on hardware, you can antique any new piece or one that you may already own.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Safety goggles
• Steel wool
• Bucket with lid
• Ammonia
• Jar
• Wire brush
• Bowls
• Dish washing liquid
• Old toothbrush
• Towel
• Craft stick
• Paintbrush (optional)
• Liver of Sulfur Extended Life Gel
• Baking soda
• Spray bottle
• Vinegar
• Salt

Instructions

Brass

1. Scrub the hardware briskly with steel wool to remove any finish or seal that might be covering the metal.

2. Place the brass hardware into a bucket that has an air-tight lid.

3. Pour ammonia into a glass jar of any size. Place the jar in the bucket and replace the lid. Brass will react to the ammonia in the air and form a dark greenish layer, referred to as a "patina." Check the brass every hour. Remove it from the bucket when you're satisfied with the look.

4. Scrub the hardware with a wire brush to give it a worn look.

Copper or Silver

1. Fill a small bowl with water and add a small amount of ammonia and a squirt of dish washing liquid. Dip the hardware in the solution and use an old toothbrush to clean the piece. It must be free of all dirt, grease or fingerprints before you apply the liver of sulfur. Dry it with a towel.

2. Use a craft stick to stir the Liver of Sulfur Extended Life Gel. Use the stick to place a small amount onto the hardware and brush it on the surface. If using the squirt bottle, squeeze a small amount onto the piece and brush it. You can also dilute the gel in a bowl of water according to manufacturer's directions to experiment with different effects. Dip the hardware into the solution.

3. Fill a small bowl with water and add a spoonful of baking soda. You will need to neutralize the liver of sulfur. When the hardware has achieved the look you desire, dip it into the water and baking soda to stop the darkening process.

4. Dry the hardware with a towel. Scrub it with a wire brush to give it additional texture, if desired.

Steel, Iron or Other Related Alloys

1. Use steel wool to scrub away any finish or seal on the hardware.

2. Pour vinegar into a spray bottle. Add a pinch of salt.

3. Spray the steel, iron or other related alloy piece with the vinegar. Allow it to air-dry, preferably in direct sunlight. Vinegar and salt create an acidic environment that causes the metal to darken and form the small pits and grooves typically seen on antiqued steel or iron hardware.

4. Repeat this process until the metal has the antique look you desire.

Tips & Warnings

• The vinegar used to treat steel or iron will corrode the metal. Note that it will be impossible to restore a steel item to its former luster if it is antiqued using this method.

• Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when handling chemicals.

• Use the liver of sulfur in a well-ventilated room or outdoors, due to its strong odor.

References

• My Armory; A Practical Guide to Adding Antique Effects to Replica Arms; Sean Flynt
• Jem Library: How to Antique Copper